Japanese pond turtle (Mauremys japonica)

Short answers

Japanese pond turtle: How big does the enclosure need to be?

An aqua-terrarium from 120–150 cm on a side for one adult animal, water at least 30 cm deep, a solid land section for basking.

Japanese pond turtle: What temperature does it need?

Daytime water 22–26 °C (range 20–28 °C), basking spot Land section / basking spot 32–38 °C, at night slight drop to ~18–20 °C.

Japanese pond turtle: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: UVB needed above the land section (Ferguson zone 2–3).

Japanese pond turtle: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 20–30+ years.

Japanese pond turtle: Is it suitable for beginners?

Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).

Climate

Daytime temperature

water 22–26 °C (range 20–28 °C)

Night temperature

slight drop to ~18–20 °C

Basking spot

Land section / basking spot 32–38 °C

Humidity

— (aqua-terrarium: water section plus a dry land section)

UVB

UVB needed above the land section (Ferguson zone 2–3)

Enclosure

Minimum size

an aqua-terrarium from 120–150 cm on a side for one adult animal, water at least 30 cm deep, a solid land section for basking

Substrate

Sand or a natural look, or bare-bottomed; good filtration, clean water

Feeding

Food

Carnivorous to omnivorous: aquatic insects, snails, fish, crustaceans, a little plant food, high-quality pellets

Feeding interval

adults 2–3×/week, juveniles daily

Key facts

Adult size

females ~20 cm, males ~14 cm

Life expectancy

20–30+ years

Origin

Japan (endemic) – streams, marshes, ponds

Protection status

Not listed under CITES (sources conflict, IUCN "Near Threatened"); protected in Japan with export restrictions → check the origin and legality

Brumation

Winter dormancy is typical of the species: they overwinter on the bottom and stay active down to ~5 °C water; ~2–4 months of rest at ~5–10 °C

Cohabitation

Keeping singly or in a group with plenty of space is possible; can bite or harass conspecifics, so do not overcrowd and provide visual cover and retreats.

Notes

Similar to Mauremys reevesii, but somewhat more demanding and temperate-living (with a distinct winter rest). A substantial land section plus UVB and clean water matter. The CITES status is inconsistent between sources → check before buying.

Do you keep this species?

Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →

Look for Japanese pond turtle (Mauremys japonica) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Annam leaf turtle (Mauremys annamensis) – Intermediate
• Balkan terrapin (Mauremys rivulata) – Intermediate
• Chinese striped-neck turtle (Mauremys sinensis) – Beginner to intermediate
• Reeves' turtle (Mauremys reevesii) – Beginner
• Yellow pond turtle (Mauremys mutica) – Intermediate
• Caspian turtle (Mauremys caspica) – Beginner
• Mediterranean pond turtle (Mauremys leprosa) – Intermediate
• Black-breasted leaf turtle (Mauremys nigricans) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Japanese pond turtle (Mauremys japonica) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (an aqua-terrarium from 120–150 cm on a side for one adult animal, water at least 30 cm deep, a solid land section for basking), substrate (Sand or a natural look, or bare-bottomed; good filtration, clean water), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.